New Delhi. After a long legal battle in the American court, Mahindra has finally emerged victorious. Recently, the Michigan court in the USA granted Mahindra permission to manufacture and sell its off-road car, Roxor. After the court’s decision, the controversy surrounding the design of Mahindra Roxor has been resolved, and the company can now sell this car in the USA with full rights.
It should be noted that Mahindra Roxor has great demand in North America. It is a small-sized affordable 4X4 off-road car that people love to drive in jungles and rough roads. Due to its compact size, it can be driven anywhere. Additionally, it comes with four seats, making it quite practical. However, the design, which resembles the Willys Jeep produced during World War II, had previously faced criticism in the American market, with allegations from Fiat Chrysler Auto (FCA).
What’s the case? In the American market, Mahindra Roxor competes with Jeep’s off-road cars. In 2019, Fiat Chrysler Auto (FCA) filed a complaint with the US International Trade Commission (ITC) seeking a ban on the sale of Roxor, claiming that Mahindra had violated trademark laws by copying the boxy design and grille of the Willys Jeep. Subsequently, the case went to the Michigan court, where the court imposed a ban on the sale of Roxor until design changes were made, acknowledging Jeep’s claims.
In 2020, Mahindra presented Roxor again after making design changes, but due to FCA’s objection, the case was prolonged until 2023. During the July hearings, the court found no objection to Roxor’s design, and on July 19, Michigan court granted permission to start selling the new Roxor.
It should be noted that Mahindra manufactures Roxor in its manufacturing facility located in Michigan, USA. The company markets it as a privately owned vehicle in the USA. While it is not considered road-legal SUV in many states, some states allow it to be driven on public roads.
